Ballina airspace changes

Airspace around Ballina Byron Gateway Airport will be controlled by air traffic controllers as Airservices Australia introduce services to support the airport’s growth.

The change will reclassify the surrounding airspace to Class D and Class C from 9 July 2026.

We have provided a high-level summary of these changes below.

What you need to do before 9 July 2026

  1. Check what's changing

    Review the updated Gold Coast visual terminal chart (VTC), En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) and relevant Aeronautical Information Package (AIP) publications.

    Learn where the new control zone and associated controlled airspace will be, along with visual flight rules (VFR) approach and check points. Ensure you know how to use them.

    If you fly a drone, check a CASA-verified drone safety app before you fly. It shows where you can fly and if you need approval.

  2. Update your flight planning tools

    Update your electronic flight bag (EFB), charts, databases and any physical copies before you fly. Allow time for updates to sync and check they are available offline.

  3. Confirm transponder requirements

    Check your aircraft is equipped and you can operate the transponder before you fly around Ballina.

  4. Plan before your flight

    Check NOTAMs and your aerodrome ERSA entry.

    Plan your correct route, altitude and radio calls.

    Know how to submit a flight plan or flight notification if operating in Class C or Class D airspace – you may be delayed in the air if you don’t do this before you fly.

Summary of changes

Several changes to the airspace around Ballina Byron Gateway Airport will occur:

Airspace changes

  • Ballina control zone (CTR) is from surface to 1,500 ft, extending to 7 nm from the airport reference point (ARP) in line with runway directions and approximately 4 nm laterally, parallel to the runway.
  • Class D airspace steps extend to 20 nm from Ballina and up to 4,500 ft.
  • Class C airspace lower limit is 4,500 ft.

Flight paths

  • The introduction of 6 arrival flight paths (Standard Instrument Arrivals or STARs) and 3 departure flight paths (Standard Instrument Departures or SIDs).
  • When the Evans Head military restricted area (RA) is active, flight paths through the RA cannot be used.

VFR approach points and check points

  • The introduction of new VFR approach points: Abeam Suffolk Park (ASFK) and Newrybar (NEWB) from the north, Clunes (CLUN) and Wollongbar (WOBR) from the west, Coraki (CORK) and Broadwater (BROD) from the south.
  • The introduction of new VFR check points: Lake Ainsworth (LAWT), Epic Farm (EPFM), Boral Quarries (BORQ), Breakwater (BRAK), Burns Point Ferry (BURN), Saltwater (SALT), Everlong (EVLO) and Dalwood (DALW).

Lismore Airport

  • The introduction of Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) at Lismore Airport.

Related content

Related rules and publications

Last updated:
23 Jun 2026
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//operations-safety-and-travel/airspace/ballina-airspace-changes
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